EDMONTON

Information about Conference Speakers

On September 26, 2019, Legacy Place Society, in collaboration with local services, will co-host the First Responder and Military Personnel Mental Wellness Suicide Awareness Conference in Edmonton. The event, in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, will feature keynote speaker Joe Roberts, “The Skidrow CEO,” along with several experts discussing mental health, PTSD, addiction, and resiliency. The conference will provide valuable tools for first responders and military personnel to address trauma and mental wellness. Registration details and speaker lineup are available online.

SEE LINK FOR EDMONTON SPEAKER LINE UP AND REGISTRATION

YEG 2019 First Responder Conference Sponsorship

 

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Keynote Speaker: Joe Roberts – “The Skidrow CEO”

Joe Roberts shares his transformative journey from homelessness to becoming a highly respected leader. His message on overcoming roadblocks and confronting limiting mindsets is both humorous and raw, tackling mental health and addiction. He has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal.

Speaker: Matt Petrie – “Big Boy’s Don’t Cry”

A retired RCMP officer and registered psychologist, Matt discusses the barriers to therapy for first responders and military personnel and how building resiliency can help overcome trauma.

Sean Conohan – “Crushing the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness”

A former paramedic, Sean uses his experience to speak openly about mental illness and PTSD in first responders. He hosts the UpTalk Podcast, sharing stories of hope and resilience.

Dr. Mark Kolodziej – “Life Satisfaction Post-Trauma”

Dr. Kolodziej, a psychotherapist, addresses trauma’s impact on sleep and relationships, offering insights into improving life satisfaction through therapy.

Teresa Coulter – “Lessons from a First Responder’s Art Studio”

Teresa uses art to express and address the mental health challenges first responders face. Her art and collaborations with various organizations aim to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Lisa & Mike Adams – “Peer Support, Marriage, and What to Do When the Call Comes In”

Lisa, a life coach, and Mike, a military veteran, share their personal journey with PTSD, the importance of peer support, and overcoming trauma together as a couple.

Lauren Hope-Cleveland – “Time: Its Value to Family and Soul”

Lauren, a corrections officer turned life coach, talks about balancing the unique challenges of a first responder career with family life and emotional well-being.

Speaker: Jack Rennie – “A Ship Is Safest When at Port”

Jack, an advanced care paramedic, discusses the challenges of mental health in first responders and his efforts to improve wellness within the profession, including his yoga practice and PTSD awareness campaign.

This conference offers diverse perspectives on mental health, resilience, and trauma recovery for first responders and military personnel.